Words from AEO Powersports – Imaged by Michael Lindsay/Vital MX
The AEO Powersports KTM Racing Team continued its AMA Pro Motocross Championship campaign at Round 3 of the series this weekend at Thunder Valley MX Park, with Carson Mumford and Avery Long battling the demanding Colorado circuit and its challenging elevation.
Mumford qualified 11th overall after improving from 14th in the opening session and carried that speed into the motos. In Moto 1, he crossed the holeshot line in 15th before quickly charging forward to run 10th by lap two. Mumford showed impressive pace throughout the early stages of the race, recording his fastest lap on lap four while battling inside the top 10. As the race wore on, the combination of rough conditions and Thunder Valley’s high elevation proved challenging, and he ultimately finished 18th.
Moto 2 saw another strong start from Mumford as he completed the opening lap in sixth place and remained in the top 10 for much of the race. After holding 10th through the middle stages, he eventually crossed the line in 16th. While the final results didn’t fully reflect the speed he displayed throughout the day, Mumford continued to show progression, determination, and the ability to run with some of the sport’s top competitors.
Long qualified 24th overall and continued his return to race fitness after a mid-season Supercross injury. He delivered a consistent ride in Moto 1 to finish 23rd before overcoming adversity in Moto 2. After running 20th on the opening lap, an incident dropped him back to 33rd, but the KTM rider fought his way through the field to finish 27th.
The Thunder Valley National marked another positive step forward for the AEO Powersports KTM Racing Team as both riders continue to build momentum heading into the next round of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship. Mumford’s consistency throughout the SuperMotocross season has him sitting 14th in the SMX 250 Combined Championship standings and 10th in the MX 250 Championship points standing, a notable accomplishment at this stage of the year. Maintaining steady results throughout the remainder of the Pro Motocross season will be critical as he works to strengthen his position heading into the three SMX Playoff rounds and potentially secure a direct transfer into the opening SMX event in September, avoiding the added challenge of racing through the Last Chance Qualifier.
Results
Carson Mumford – 19th
Race Result: 18 | 16
Points Standing: 10th
Avery Long – 26th
Race Result: 23 | 27
Points Standing: 31st
